Mobile Phones


Leo Changes His Mind on the Samsung Z Flip Phone

 Z Flip

Episode 1671

After ordering it and waiting 10 days with no sign of the Samsung Galaxy Flip Phone, Leo decided to cancel the order. By the time he would have gotten it, the world would have moved on as other reviews are now out. So he decided to save $1600. Leo also thinks that everyone is getting sick of the mobile phone merry go round, where a new mobile phone comes out every six months.

Why is my hotspot connection dropping?

Episode 1670

Jeff from Knoxville, TN

Jeff bought an Senior 55 unlimited plan from T-Mobile, but his data plan is extremely slow. Leo says it's likely unlimited because you get 3G data access, not 4G/LTE. But he's not getting hotspot mode, because it constantly disconnects. Leo says that hotspotting with your laptop is never going to be as good as direct connection. Your phone's connection may go to sleep, dropping the hotspot. 

Why can't my phone get data?

Episode 1670

Ron from California

Ron has a Yota 3 mobile phone that has an eInk screen on one side, and a regular screen on the other. The result is better battery life. But he hasn't been able to turn on the data for the phone. You should be able to go into the cellular settings under Network and Internet, and enable the data options. It could have been disabled. Also turn on mobile data and roaming. You may need to input the APN settings, which you can find online. 

Why Can't I Connect to Google Play Store?


Episode 1669

Chris from Norco, CA

Chris has a Samsung Galaxy S10 and he can't get the Google Play store to open. It crashes. Verizon says he needs to do a "function reset." Leo says Chris has to be sure his phone is completely updated. that's important. Go into the settings and see if the latest Samsung software is there. But it's probably best to reset the phone is in order. Press and hold the on/off button and select restart. If that doesn't work, then he can reset the phone to factory default settings. But restarting the phone should work. From the Chatroom - Clear the cache and data from the Play Store app.

Is the iPhone the Best Accessibility Phone?

Be My Eyes

Episode 1669

Julian from West Los Angeles, Ca

Julian is an accessibility expert and he likes the Be My Eyes app. The EyeRa app is the paid version. It's also available on Android. He says that apps like these are a game-changer for blind people who need help using their phones to see the world around them. Check out Julian's website He also says that being in contact with the American Foundation for the Blind can put people in touch with accessibility experts who can help.

Can I Replace the Battery On iPhone 7?

iPhone 7

Episode 1669

Ed from Las Vegas, NV

Ed has an iPhone 7. He's blind and he relies on Siri to do everything he needs. Leo says that the iPhone is a great phone for the blind because of its accessibility features. Ed finds, though, that the battery isn't as strong as it used to be and it dies while he's using it all the time. Leo says that the lithium-ion batteries are rated for 500 charge/discharge cycles, which is about a two-year window. But the good news is, that Apple will replace the battery for $49.  Are there alternatives?

Samsung Announces S20 Mobile Phones


Episode 1669

Samsung has announced its latest line of Galaxy S20 mobile phones starting at $1000. And while Leo likes the phones a lot, he's burned out with the constant latest and greatest upgrade cycle. But what's more interesting is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, which is a flip phone that opens up into a smartphone. That's $1400, though. Leo has ordered one, but he has yet to receive it because most of the stock went to stores in large cities.